Deep neurotherapeutic strategy for ischemic stroke via focused ultrasound-enhanced delivery of curcumin-loaded antioxidant nanoliposomes

cavitation, enabling drug delivery to hypoxic brain regions. Curcumin (CUR), a natural antioxidant with neuroprotective effects, was encapsulated in liposomes (CUR@LP) and functionalized with a stroke homing peptide (SHp) to form CUR@LP-SHp nanoparticles. After systemic administration and FUS-induced BBB modulation, CUR@LP-SHp accumulated in ischemic tissue. In a photothrombotic stroke model, this treatment significantly reduced infarct volume by 92% and decreased expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) by 80%. Histological and protein analyses confirmed reduced oxidative stress and enhanced preservation of vascular and neuronal function. This novel delivery platform improves CUR's bioavailability and brain targeting, offering a promising, safe, and effective therapeutic strategy for ischemic stroke.